The impact of animal products on health maintenance and disease treatment in Al-Andalus during the Middle Ages

Abstract

The fields of medicine and pharmacy are considered to be among the most esteemed and important sciences in Al-Andalus. During the Middle Ages, the people of Al Andalus showed great interest and attention to medical science. Andalusian doctors benefited from the diverse nature of their region, which was rich in animals with medicinal properties and beneficial effects on humans. They adopted and used these animals as appropriate treatments for many diseases. The Andalusians studied these animals and recognised their important medical benefits. A prime example is the work of the scholar and physician Ibn al-Baitar al-Malaqi (d. 1248 A.D.) in his book *Al Jami' li-Mufradat al-Adwiya wa al-Aghdhiya*, where he provides a detailed description of all the treatments derived from animal products and their role in treating various diseases in Al-Andalus.